Join conference chairs to kick things off – meet the faculty and staff , learn about others in attendance, and discuss how to get the most out of your time in Chicago.

This talk challenges traditional leadership paradigms, emphasizing the importance of nonlinear and iterative strategies in forming one’s leadership identity and journey. We will unravel the complexities of leadership, forging a path forward that embraces change, collaboration, and adaptability.

This session will discuss reframing diversity, equity, and inclusion (DEI) goals as fundamental to best practice advancement. The identification of monetary and non-monetary goals that contribute to the achievement of DEI goals as part of campaign priorities will be explored. This session will also confirm the importance of campaign steering committee selection, identification of diverse campaign volunteers, inclusive campaign marketing strategies, gift opportunities that support campus diversity priorities, and prospect research approaches to ensure engagement of diverse prospects and donors that result in increased interest, involvement and investment in institutional and campaign priorities.

Artificial Intelligence is an exciting but imperfect technology that has the power and promise to revolutionize philanthropy. The capacity of machine learning and other AI technologies to streamline processes and create efficiencies is empowering whether you directly engage donors and solicit gifts or drive outcomes in operations. As we continue to examine and evaluate use cases and opportunities to leverage artificial intelligence, there are a host of ethical considerations that intersect with equitable and inclusive fundraising goals. In this informative session, attendees will gain basic knowledge about artificial intelligence and identify tools and resources to not only accelerate fundraising but foster greater diversity, equity, inclusion, and belonging in philanthropy.

Development involves meeting with constituents of all backgrounds and discussing how philanthropy can change lives and change society. Learn how The Ohio State University Wexner Medical Center and College of Medicine Advancement team and others are navigating this space. This session will be a facilitated discussion with examples and ideas on how to create a culture that represents all voices. How do you model behavior as a leader? How do you create a work environment that respects and values opinions and differences of all individuals? How do you get others actively involved in the work? Please bring your thoughts and ideas to discuss with your peers.

During the racial reckoning, society began to acknowledge and confront the system and institutional racism that has persisted for generations. It involves collectively examining societal structures, policies, cultural norms, and individual biases perpetuating inequality. This session examines the intersection of leadership and identity and how we manage during an “awakening” society.